BYD Seagull review: a small electric car that changes the game

The BYD Seagull is the kind of car you can easily imagine driving under the windows of a panelised high-rise building or on a narrow street in an old neighbourhood. It's small, cheaper than most hybrids, and fully electric. While electric cars used to be associated with something premium and unattainable, the Seagull is the opposite: the most simplified and practical vehicle for daily commuting.

This hatchback is already actively driving on the roads of China and the UK, and now it can reach us. Against the backdrop of high fuel prices, unstable tariffs and growing demand for compact cars, Seagull looks more than appropriate. It doesn't promise cosmic speeds or record range, but it does offer a real opportunity to become part of the electric car community without huge costs.

We remind you that you can purchase home and commercial charging stations in our online storeand also use the public charging stations ECOFACTORcharging points located throughout Ukraine. For convenient access to charging infrastructure, we recommend using our mobile applicationwhich is available on iOS and Android.

Format and positioning: who is the BYD Seagull for?

The BYD Seagull is not just another electric car for statistics. This car is clearly designed as a first step into the world of electric mobility for those who have not had any experience with it before. It is suitable for drivers who drive around the city every day and do not plan long journeys on a single charge. And it's not just about young people or gadget lovers, but anyone who is tired of the constant cost of fuel and maintenance.

The Seagull is slightly smaller than the Kia Picanto, but has a similar format. It is 3.78 m long, 1.715 m wide and 1.58 m high. It's ideal for commuting to work, the supermarket, to a child's club, or just to drive into the city centre and park without nerves. It's not a station wagon, not an SUV, and definitely not something for status. But that's exactly what makes it strong - Seagull relies on functionality, not a facade.

Design and dimensions: small but grown-up

The BYD Seagull does not look cheap. On the contrary, the front optics are sharp, the body lines are clear, and even unusual colours (pink, light green, etc.) look bold and appropriate. Especially in the city, where most cars are monotonous grey.

The cabin feels more spacious than you expect. Even taller drivers can sit comfortably, the visibility is good, and the roof does not put pressure on your head. Visually, the low window line and the dashboard help, as they do not interfere with the view of the road. Rear passengers will be a little more cramped, but there is enough space for two adults. For the fifth person, it will already be cramped, especially for long journeys.

An important nuance is that the doors open wide, and the seating is very comfortable, which is rare for cars of this size.

Power, batteries and range: what's under the hood

All Seagull variants are equipped with a 55 kW (74 hp) front-wheel drive electric motor with 135 Nm of torque. It's not much, but it's enough for the city rhythm. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes about 13 seconds. Yes, you won't be able to fly on the highway, but in the city it's even too fast.

Batteries available (depending on market):

• 30 kWh LFPup to 305 km of Chinese cycle (CLTC) mileage
• 38.88 kWh Blade Battery: up to 405 km (CLTC)
• 43 kWh (UK specification)Up to 321 km on the European WLTP cycle

The real mileage in mixed mode will be around 250-300 km - and this is very decent for this class. Especially considering that the 90% trips of Ukrainians are 40-50 km a day.

Charging: at home, at night, without panic

Charging speed isn't the Seagull's strong point, but it's not a failure either. The basic versions support DC charging up to 40 kW, while the European variants offer charging up to 65 or even 85 kW. This allows the battery to be charged in about an hour at a fast charging station.

For most owners, this is the ideal scenario:

• install a 7 or 11 kW Wallbox in a garage or car park
• connect the car at night when electricity is cheaper
• do not wait for the zero level, but recharge every few days

It's convenient, cheap, and doesn't require adaptation to the infrastructure at every step. However, you are unlikely to need superchargers.

How ECOFACTOR helps electric car owners in Ukraine

At ECOFACTOR, we are working to make electric mobility in Ukraine an affordable, simple and real part of everyday life. If you are planning to buy a BYD Seagull or already drive an electric car, it is the infrastructure and digital tools that are crucial to how convenient it is to use it.

Our company creates, manufactures and services charging stations alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) power plants with capacities ranging from 7 to 420 kW. All stations are fully developed in Ukraine in accordance with international standards. Whether you need a simple wall-mounted charger for home use or a business solution, we can help with the selection, installation and start-up.

In addition to the stations themselves, we have our own network management platform, which is already used by more than 500 operators in 11 countries. It allows you to control charging sessions, tariffs, energy consumption statistics, and even manage the network through the app.

The ECOFACTOR EV Charging mobile app, available on iOS and AndroidThe company's newest product:

• find the nearest charging points on map of charging stations
• check their availability in real time
• pay for charging directly from your phone
• receive convenient reports and reminders

In our online store you can order everything you need to connect and use your electric vehicle on a daily basis: cables and adapters, holders, RFID cards, charging units and accessories. We only sell compatible and proven solutions that will not cause any surprises during charging.

For the BYD Seagull, as with any other urban electric car, it is important to have a simple ecosystem at hand: a night charging at home, a reliable public grid in case of need, and a clear digital service. We are creating just such an ecosystem - and developing it every day together with the Ukrainian electric vehicle community.

Interior: a surprise in every detail

The Seagull's interior definitely does not look "cheap" or "pared-down". It has soft plastic trim, pleasant to the touch eco-leather, and a functional arrangement of elements. The central screen, a rotating 10.1-inch display, can change orientation from vertical to horizontal. This is convenient for navigation, video or parking.

Other details:

• Instrument cluster - separate 5-inch display
• Wireless charging of your smartphone
• USB-C and 12V connectors
• Voice climate control and multimedia
• Electric driver's seat (rare in the budget class)

The interior is not full of buttons, but everything is logical - switches, "swings" and a minimum of distractions. Everything looks like someone really thought about the user.

The rear is simpler. There's no air-conditioning, armrest or USB, but fortunately there are normal belts, power windows and some space for things.

Equipment: what can be included in the package

Based on the Chinese and British versions, we can expect the Seagull to have:

• 4 or 6 airbags
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-keep assist
• Rear view camera or 360-degree system (in older versions)
• Heated and electrically operated mirrors
• Keyless access
• Electronic parking brake
• Voice commands and integration with Android Auto / Apple CarPlay

Behaviour on the road: not racing, but sharp

The Seagull has surprised reviewers with its handling. Lightweight, docile, with a short turning radius, it is ideal for complex city traffic. It doesn't fall over in corners, it doesn't float during manoeuvres, and the steering gives you at least some sense of grip.

The suspension is a little stiff, which is noticeable on Ukrainian potholes and speed bumps. However, due to the low centre of gravity and compact dimensions, the car does not feel unstable.

The downside is slow acceleration at speeds over 70 km/h. Here you can already feel the power limitation. In the city it's fine, on the highway, be careful, plan overtaking in advance.

Boot and practicality: more than meets the eye

The standard boot volume is 230-300 litres. This is slightly more than some competitors with an internal combustion engine. If you fold down the rear seat backs, you get 930 litres of space. You can easily fit a TV, a trolley, and a few bags from the supermarket.

The car also has the V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) function, which means you can use its battery to power electrical appliances:

• laptop or charging station
• vacuum cleaner or coffee machine in the country
• emergency lighting in the event of a power outage

It's not a critical feature, but it's nice and adds flexibility to everyday life.

5. Warranty and service

The Seagull is covered by the standard BYD warranty:

• 6 years or 160,000 km by car
• 8 years or 150,000 km for an electric motor
• 8 years or 160,000 km per battery

Maintenance is minimal: no oil, no belts, no transmissions. Once a year, a technical inspection, and that's it. This is one of the reasons why electric cars are generally cheaper to own.

Potential for Ukraine: what to consider

At the time of publication, BYD Seagull has not yet been officially confirmed for the Ukrainian market. But everything suggests that it may appear in the near future. Given the popularity of the BYD Dolphin, and the fact that the Seagull has already been adapted for right-hand drive in the UK, there is technically nothing to stop it from being brought to Ukraine.

Potential advantages for our market:

• Price in the range of $ 25,000 - $ 30,000
• Minimal charging costs
• No need for maintenance
• Perfect for the urban lifestyle

Pros and cons: short and sweet

BYD Seagull has a lot of advantages, and they make this electric car an interesting option for urban use. Firstly, its price: compared to other electric vehicles, it looks very attractive, especially for those who could not afford to switch to electric traction before. Secondly, the range is more than enough for daily trips around the city. Thirdly, despite its budget status, the interior looks modern and is equipped with everything you need - from wireless charging to voice control. The dimensions are also worth noting: Seagull feels very comfortable in dense traffic and in car parks. And finally, the electric vehicle's ease of maintenance allows you to significantly save time and money on service.

However, there were some drawbacks. The car is frankly not designed for the highway - acceleration is slow, and at 70-80 km/h it is already noticeable that it does not "pull" further. On Ukrainian roads, the stiff suspension makes itself felt, especially on pits and bumps. Comfort in the second row is quite basic - passengers lack ventilation, amenities and space. Charging is also not record-breaking fast, so long journeys require planning. Finally, the main issue is that it is not known when and in what form Seagull will appear in Ukraine. But if it does arrive, there will definitely be demand.

Conclusion.

BYD Seagull is not about impressions or status. It's about making an electric car affordable and convenient for everyday use. It cannot be called a universal option for all scenarios, but it fits exactly into the realities of urban life. Small, simple, electric - and this is exactly what makes it valuable. In a world where even hybrids cost exorbitant amounts of money, Seagull offers an alternative that you're not ashamed to park under the driveway.

Yes, it doesn't pull on the road and doesn't have a trunk like a crossover. But it is economical, manoeuvrable and low-maintenance. And what's more, it looks like a normal modern car, not an "experiment on wheels". If BYD is able to bring the Seagull to the Ukrainian market at a truly competitive price, there is every chance that we will see it in our neighbourhoods in the near future.

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